Calcutta High Court on Monday stayed a Calcutta Municipal Corporation (CMC) notification declaring certain areas in the city 'heritage zones'. The notification, issued to advertising companies on May 24, had stated that billboards would not be allowed at BBD Bag (Dalhousie Square), Esplanade and the Maidan.

Justice Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya, however, gave the CMC the liberty to take action against advertising companies that have erected billboards without its consent. he order followed petitions by four city-based companies challenging the CMC's authority in declaring portions of the city heritage zones. They claimed that the civic body's act was in violation of the West Bengal Heritage Commission Act, 2001.

CMC's lawyer argued: 'The Heritage Conservation Committee formed by the CMC had recommended that certain areas of the city be declared heritage zones, where billboards should not be put up. The mayoral council approved the recommendation.'

The CBI on Monday arrested Abanti Kumar Maiti, assistant sub-postmaster of Behala Post Office, for allegedly demanding money from an agent. A CBI officer said several post offices had appointed agents to boost the business of the National Savings Certificate and the Kisan Vikas Patra. Maity had allegedly demanded Rs 10,000 from a man for appointing him as an agent.

The husband and parents-in-law of 19-year-old Mou Chanda, who had committed suicide on Wednesday last, were arrested on Sunday. The arrests followed a complaint by Mou's parents that she used to be tortured regularly since her marriage last year by husband Subrata and parents-in-law Swapan and Shibani.

Three unions of bank employees ' AIBEA, AIBOA and BEFI ' have called a strike on July 28 to protest outsourcing of banking services and clearing operations. The unions have also demanded an amendment to section 12(2) that relates to the voting right of banks, filling up of vacant posts in various banks and extension of pension options.

A 20-year-old housewife, Nibedita Mani, committed suicide by hanging herself at her home in Pujali, Budge Budge, on the southern fringes of the city, on Monday afternoon. Police said the woman got married last year. Nibedita's parents have lodged a complaint, alleging that she had been tortured by her in-laws for dowry. Nibedita's husband and parents-in-law are absconding.

Dilip Kumar Dutta, 77, a lawyer of Calcutta High Court, died on Monday at his south Calcutta home. An expert in criminal law, Dutta was also president of the Calcutta High Court Bar Association. The state bar council mourned his death. The bar association has called a memorial meeting at 10.15 am on Tuesday. Dutta is survived by his wife and two daughters.